Vet Serves in Denver, CO

Dr. Lori Schmalz

Verified Veterinarian

61 reviews

Why I provide at-home pet euthanasia

Becoming a veterinarian was a natural choice for me given my upbringing in which nearly all activities revolved around our animals. I followed the passion that was instilled in me by my family. I performed my first at-home euthanasia in 2007. It was an amazing experience with an owner and pet I had been caring for in clinic. I'll never forget what a beautiful day it was as I watched the owner kiss each of her dog's feet as he fell asleep in his beloved yard. It opened my eyes to how euthanasia could be and should be. Since then I have strived to provide excellent service so my clients and patients have the best possible experience in such a difficult and tender time.

Education

Undergraduate: Bowling Green State University - 1988

Veterinary Medicine: Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine - 1992

Certifications

3

CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian), Human-Animal Bond Certified, Fear Free Certified

 CAETA's CPEV (Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian)Human-Animal Bond CertifiedFear Free Certified
  • Based InLittleton, CO
  • Service areasDenver, CO & surrounding areas
  • Work Experience33+ years
  • Animals ServedAll Dogs & Cats
  • Notice Required2 hours

General availability

Sunday10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Availability each week can vary based on demand and scheduling. Please provide a minimum 2 hour advance notice for all bookings.

Services provided

At home pet euthanasia

Dr. Lori Schmalz will help your beloved pet transition peacefully in the comfort of of their home, surrounded by loved ones

Est. CostStarting at $349

Pet cremation

Dr. Lori Schmalz will arrange and handle all of your cremation needs, including careful and loving transportation of your pet to the crematorium through private or communal process handled

Est. CostFrom $149 - $499

Keepsakes

Clay paw prints, wooden urns with personalizations available with ashes returned

Est. CostFrom $18 - $265

Quality of life consult

Schedule a 1-on-1 with a vet over a virtual conference call or at home.

Est. CostStarting at $225

What pet parents are saying

Dr. Lori was very kind and compassionate and even offered to move up my appointment due to the amount of pain my dog was experiencing. She had a very calming presence and made an extremely difficult process as comforting as possible.

codapet review
5.0
Sep 30 2025 by Andrew P.
Review by Dr. Lori Schmalz

As horrific as this experience is for everyone, I don’t think we would be in nearly as good of shape if it weren’t for Lori. She clearly isn’t doing this for the money, she realized that she can help people get through this experience and we are so thankful and glad to have chosen this option and had the fortune to have her help guide our sweet Cleo and us through this journey. Thank you Lori.

codapet review
5.0
Oct 25 2024 by Julian W.
Review by Julian W.
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

Dr. Lori was kind, compassionate, and professional. She was not in a hurry and allowed us time to appreciate the last moments of our cat's life. Dr. Lori had a calming presence and that helped everybody including our cat. I can recommend Dr. Lori without any reservations. She is the best.

codapet review
5.0
Nov 23 2025 by Dan C.
Review by Dr. Lori Schmalz

Losing my buddy Bexley was the second hardest thing in my life (second to losing my brother, a close second). He meant so much to me. We've been through so much together! He was a Colorado born dog but had traveled with me from coast to coast (multiple times). I was super fortunate in that we were together almost 24/7 since COVID. When I had to go into the office, my boss let him come too. He made the office brighter. Clients loved it! I've worked from home the past three years making our close bond even closer. Dr. Schmalz was extremely kind, professional, efficient, thorough and COMPASSIONATE! She made sure any questions I had were answered. She treated him with so much respect and dignity. Even though he traveled thousands of miles in cars, he never liked riding in the car. I cannot imagine driving him to the vet for this process! How that would have made him feel. Because of Dr. Schmalz, he was able to be relaxed at home on his pile of favorite blankets! This meant the world to me; ensuring he could be as comfortable as possible. Thank you Dr. Schmalz!

codapet review
5.0
Mar 05 2025 by Bobby R.
Review by Bobby R.
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

We were so thankful that Dr. Schmalz was able to come to our home on a Sunday (the same day we contacted her) to provide an in-home pet euthanasia for our sweet, beloved cat who had started to suffer dramatically the night before. Although putting a pet down is always incredibly difficult to decide upon and go through, we were so grateful that Dr. Schmalz could do this in our home where our cat was most comfortable and at peace in his final moments, where we felt more able to grieve openly, and where our other pets could be close by and better process the loss. Having now been through pet euthanasia procedures in both clinical and at-home settings, I will always choose in-home pet euthanasia going forward. Dr. Schmalz was so kind, compassionate, and respectful and really made this process as peaceful as we could ask for. Thank you so much for this amazing service.

codapet review
5.0
Dec 27 2024 by Emily Bowman
Review by Emily Bowman
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture

Dr Lori made a difficult and emotional situation as peaceful and assuring as possible. She was kind, respectful, and communicated throughout every step in the process. She held space for us to say our good bye and express our love and care for our dog. I highly recommend an in home euthanasia and scheduling with Dr Lori. Her empathy and care is apparent and appreciated. We know our dog felt no pain and was at peace during her final minutes with her humans. Maura and Tony

codapet review
5.0
Oct 21 2024 by Maura M.
Review by Maura M.
Dr. Lori Schmalz profile picture